Europe+Trip

=Europe Trip=

Purpose
This is a simulation that serves as a discussion point for five people to deliberate and get to know eachother's personalities. The choices they make and the reasons they give for making them will help the people in the group get to know the different perspectives of each group member. This activity could be used for a college group of students, high school students (may have to adjust the ages of the people so they could relate), or an ice breaker at a professional event. It can be used at any time; at the beginning of the year for people who do not know each other, or at any point where the goal is for people to connect on a different level.

Time Required
40 minutes

Number of Participants
The optimal number would be five people, however it could be done with a minimum of two people, a maximum of ten.

Supplies Needed
The facilitator needs cards with the further descriptions of the people on them, to give to each group member. The participants will each be given a general description sheet with the scenario and brief synopsis of the potential travelers. The participants may want paper and pens to write down their thoughts. Also they will need a space to deliberate.

Preparation
The facilitator needs to put the class or people they are working with into groups on five. Each person will be assigned one traveler who they will debate for their chance to go to Europe. The facilitator will also need to have printed copies of the scenario for each person.

Introduction
You have won an airline tickets and money to travel to Europe with a group of four people for a trip of a lifetime. You have never been there before and want to have a great traveling experience seeing all the sites you can see in ten days. You have five people that you would love to take with you, but you must eliminate one.

Process

 * The facilitator will put people into groups of five. Each group will be given a paper with the above introduction and have five minutes to review a copy of the information below:

Perspective Travelers:

Michael- 22 year old male who is your friend from childhood. He is a workaholic who is very wealthy and has already been to Europe three times. He is very into art and knows all of the good museums and places of interest. He has a type A personality who must have plans for each hour of his day, and is easily upset if any part of his plans do not work out.

Jen- 28 year old female who is a friend from work you have known for 4 years. She is the life of the party who is always happy and easygoing. She is not a picky eater and enjoys trying all different types of food. She is four months pregnant, and her husband is in Iraq.

Brian- 18 year old male who is your neighbor. He just won a U.S. competition for his photography skills, you love the work he does. He is a shy person who has never been out of your state, much less out of the country. He is always very polite and has always looked up to you. Brian would love to have the chance to go to Europe and is willing to document the trip.

Anna- 50 year old female who is a very good friend of your family. She was born in Europe and still has family and friends there, although she has not been able to afford to visit them in 15 years. Anna has a brother who conducts Europe tour groups and would be able to assist you in your travel plans. Anna has just had knee surgery and will have a difficult time getting around.

Maia- 30 year old female who is your cousin. She is a free spirit, who loves to learn. Maia has never been to Europe but always dreamed of visiting the beautiful ruins. She is also very religious and would love to visit all of the churches while she is there. She is a very picky eater and an early riser.


 * After five minutes each group member will be told by the facilitator in private which above traveler they will debate in favor of. At this time they will also be given additional information on their assigned traveler:

Michael- Once took you on a two week trip to Hawaii with his family.

Jen- Takes a very long time to get ready, never on time.

Brian- Is in great shape and loves to exercise outdoors.

Anna- Talks incessantly.

Maia- Has a new boyfriend she must meet in Skype a few times a day.


 * Group members will debate pros and cons of each person for 20 minutes, trying to come to an agreement on the one person who will not be taken to Europe.


 * The facilitator will now bring all groups together to debrief.

Debrief
1. Did you all agree on the person who should not be taken? Why/Why not?

2. What are your reasons for eliminating ____________________?

3. Was it easy for your group to come to a consensus?

4. In what way do your personalities effect your thought process?

Credits
My activity was inspired by the activity Bernie Dodge had us complete in class, which was based on the Lifeboat scenario. I felt that this activity was very successful in creating a discussion among the members of our group who do not know each other very well. It was interesting to see the perspectives of other classmates.